Grading team performance at the Tip Off Classic

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There was plenty of sloppy basketball this weekend – not surprising for the first real action of the 2025–26 high school season. But several programs at the Breakdown Tip Off Classic looked sharp, either meeting or exceeding our expectations for the months ahead. While many teams were impressive, here are five squads that particularly caught our attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>EDEN PRAIRIE EAGLES</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Expectations were uncertain for Eden Prairie heading into the season. With the graduation of D1 standouts <strong>Tori Schlagel</strong> (South Dakota) and <strong>Rae Ehrman </strong>(Montana), along with key veterans <strong>Camryn Dennin</strong>, <strong>Ella Hardwick</strong>, and <strong>Vanessa Jordan</strong>, the Eagles would seem to be rebuilding. They didn't look like it at the Tip Off. Facing a talented Hill-Murray team early Saturday, EP defended ferociously – quick, physical, and disruptive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='662404' first='Emerson' last='Johnson'] set the tone, scoring 26 points on 11-for-22 shooting while carrying a heavy load. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='889671' first='Nesa' last='Namjoshi'] added 19, providing consistent offensive pressure. Coach Ellen Wiese – not surprisingly – had her team prepared and playing with purpose. The Eagles ultimately fell to the Pioneers' exceptional firepower, but their effort and energy suggested they'll win a lot of games this winter. If Saturday's defensive tenacity is their identity, Eden Prairie's “rebuild” could turn into something more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":993741,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/09/Anaya-Shaffa-PGH.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-993741" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DELASALLE ISLANDERS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DeLaSalle faces a season of transition following the graduation of longtime floor general <strong>Aneisha Scott</strong> (now at Richmond) and four other seniors from last year's 26-win squad. Still, the Islanders looked reenergized and ahead of schedule. Pictured above, sophomore point guard [player_tooltip player_id='992385' first='Anaya' last='Shaffa'] (#33 in the Class of 2028) now runs the show, and she looked composed beyond her years in a tough matchup with defending 3A champion Benilde-St. Margaret's. Shaffa and junior [player_tooltip player_id='667778' first='Laila' last='Moses'] (#18 in 2027) shared scoring honors with 20 points each, keeping DLS competitive against one of the state's deepest rosters. Add in versatile guards [player_tooltip player_id='644101' first='Samira' last='Taylor'] (#28, 2027) and [player_tooltip player_id='529334' first='Isa' last='Griefenhagen'] (#47, 2027), plus senior [player_tooltip player_id='1377567' first='Naomi' last='Whittaker-Hill'], and there's plenty of balance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The December return of senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='478363' first='Maddy' last='Blaylark'] from ACL rehab should provide another spark for coach Ana Garcia's squad and an important veteran voice. Early returns suggest this version of DeLaSalle might be ready to do damage over the course of the high school season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1445562,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/11/Changamires-at-Tip-Off-crop-927x609-1764109127.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1445562" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BECKER BULLDOGS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It wasn't long ago that Becker was the class of 3A basketball, with household names like <strong>Julia Bengtson</strong>, <strong>Maren Westin</strong>, and <strong>Megan Gamble</strong> followed by <strong>Alexis Rose</strong> and others. That era has passed, but the legacy left behind in terms of culture and approach lives on as coach Dan Baird has methodically rebuilt the Bulldogs into a team ready to contend again. After a 15–12 season a year ago, Becker looked impressive on Saturday night, dismantling Jordan from start to finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their trademark press was relentless, forcing turnovers and cashing in on the opportunities. As usual, sisters [player_tooltip player_id='630285' first='Adele' last='Changamire'] (2028, #11) and [player_tooltip player_id='884449' first='Andie' last='Changamire'] (2029, #5) led the charge. Pictured above, Adele scored 22, including 14 in the second half, while Andie exploded for 23 with 16 in the first. The duo's blend of athleticism, superior skill and aggressiveness was undeniable. Perhaps the night's biggest revelation was 8th grader [player_tooltip player_id='1345919' first='Alyse' last='Denne'], a fearless ball handler who came off the bench to do more than her sharer Once the starters exited, Denne took command, pushing tempo and playing with some real swagger. Becker looked crisp, cohesive, and ahead of schedule – perhaps a legitimate 3A threat once again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1445564,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/11/Lucy-Hilgert-at-Tip-Off-crop-1000x657-1764109192.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1445564" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CHANHASSEN STORM</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For years, Chanhassen was known for producing standout individuals – Nebraska star <strong>Callin Hake</strong>, for example – but without consistent team success. That reputation is fading fast thanks to this year's Storm lineup that features two Division I commits and three more potential D1 players, giving the program the kind of depth it has not had in recent seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Facing a tough Delano team on Saturday, Chanhassen crafted a 70–63 win built on balance and energy. The revelation was #25 freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1244229' first='Lucy' last='Hilgert'] (pictured above), who turned in a 14-point, 4-rebound, 6-assist performance to earn Breakdown Player of the Game honors. St. Thomas commits [player_tooltip player_id='763004' first='Lyla' last='Hentges'] and [player_tooltip player_id='766676' first='Skyler' last='Mancini'] combined for 28 points, while top 15 junior [player_tooltip player_id='630241' first='Kate' last='Arnold'] added 16 and top 40 sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='918649' first='Reese' last='Keating'] chipped in seven.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Bart Inniger has plenty of tools to work with, and the chemistry among his core five is evident. Depth could be a concern, but if the starting lineup stays healthy, the Storm have the talent to make some noise in Class 4A this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1445565,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/11/Lauren-Robison-at-Tip-Off.jpg?w=1000" alt="" class="wp-image-1445565" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LAKEVILLE NORTH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The bar for success at Lakeville North never drops. Regardless of the roster, the Panthers are expected to contend. Once again entering the season they look the part. Saturday's 78–55 win over Chaska showcased both returning star power and the emergence of new contributors who could push this team toward another championship run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pictured above, sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='908286' first='Lauren' last='Robison'] (#20 in 2028) was sensational, scoring 24 points and running the offense with maturity and flair. 6'2 post [player_tooltip player_id='897889' first='Madilynn' last='Bell'] (#40, 2028) added double figures and provided rim protection, while fellow sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='896571' first='Parker' last='Vossen'] (#35) flashed promise as another Panther weapon. Even unheralded freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1445536' first='Nora' last='Ferber'] got in on the action with a double-digit contribution.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of course, the centerpiece remains 6'3” [player_tooltip player_id='644878' first='Sahara' last='Wilson'], the #3 sophomore in Minnesota, who continues to dominate both ends. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='502552' first='Sophia' last='Perry'] (Jamestown) and her sophomore sister [player_tooltip player_id='1124603' first='Stella' last='Perry'] did their part, too. With so many pieces falling into place, Andy Berkvam's Panthers have to be a candidate for another Williams Arena appearance in March.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->